Posts Made By: Alan Sanders

Tushar,

Howie Glatter sells a laser pointer. I received one as a Christmas present 2 to 3 years ago. It came with a nice case (with a place for extra batteries!) I really like it, especially when trying to find objects from the back yard. I have used it at our club's monthly observing sessions, but agree with others about not using it at a Star Party.

Cloudy Nights has a review of it. It cost approx. $180-$200 back then. I think they are much less expensive now.

Alan

Paul,

I had a completely different experience than yours. I received a telescope for Christmas a few years ago. The local asronomy club has a meeting in January where they invite people who got telescopes for Christmas to attend to learn about their telescope.

I did learn a lot about my telescope that night, but also listened to the members talking and joking among themselves -- the "comradery" of the members -- and was made to feel at home.

I did join that group and since then have not one time heard anyone "put down" another's telescope.

Hopefully you won't let your first experience ruin your enjoyment of astronomy or stop you from joining a local group.

I suggest that you go to one of the group's monthly meetings to get a sense of the membership. Maybe of the two people you met, one was having a bad day and the other was the club grouch.

If that club isn't for you, see if there are any actual Star Parties near you. I've been to several of these and have always had a great time. FYI, I'm talking about an actual planned Star Party where people from all over the region (or country for the bigger ones) in lieu of the monthly observing sessions that a local astronomy club has.

Good luck.
Alan